Page 103 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

My heart aches for him, for the girls. I think of my own mother and how her absence left scars that still haven't fully healed.

"I'm so sorry," I whisper.

Everett shakes his head. "Don't be. It led me here, to you. Kenzie, you've made this house a home. The girls adore you. And I... I can't imagine my life without you in it."

Tears blur my vision. "Everett..."

"The last couple of weeks have been rocky, but I want you to stay," he says, voice low and intense. "Not just for now, not just because of the baby. I want to spend the rest of my days with you, building a life together. If you'll have me."

"Yes," I breathe. My heart feels like it might burst.

We come together in a kiss that's equal parts passion and tenderness. When we break apart, we're both breathing heavily.

"Bedroom?" Everett growls.

I grin, feeling bold. "Race you there."

We stumble up the stairs, laughing and stealing kisses along the way. As soon as the bedroom door closes behind us, Everett's lips are on mine, hungry and demanding.

I melt into him, reveling in the feel of his strong arms around me. His hands roam my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I tug at his shirt, desperate to feel skin on skin.

We undress each other slowly, savoring every touch, every kiss. When Everett lays me down on the bed, his gaze is full of reverence.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, pressing kisses along my collarbone.

I arch into him, craving more. "Please, Everett. I need you."

He enters me slowly, our bodies joining as one. We move together, finding a rhythm that's our own. Every touch, every kiss is charged with emotion.

What are the chances that I run almost two thousand miles away to find him?

As we reach our peak together, I feel complete in a way I never have before. Everett collapses beside me, pulling me close.

"I love you," he whispers against my hair.

"I love you too," I reply, snuggling into his warmth.

My mind drifts to the future—our future. A life in Silver Ridge, raising the girls and our baby together. It's more than I ever dared to dream of.

"What are you thinking about?" Everett asks, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin.

I smile up at him. "Our life together. The house, the kids, all of it."

His eyes crinkle at the corners. "Sounds perfect."

"It does, doesn't it?" I say, marveling at how right this feels. "I never thought I'd have this, you know? A real family, a place to belong."

Everett's arms tighten around me. "You belong here, Kenzie. With me, with the girls. This is your home now."

Tears prick at my eyes. "Thank you," I whisper. "For loving me, for giving me a chance."

He kisses my forehead. "Thank you for staying. For making us whole."

We spend the rest of the morning talking about our future. Baby names, nursery ideas, plans for the house. It's surreal and wonderful all at once.

I stare out the window, looking out at the beautiful Montana landscape. I feel a sense of peace settles over me. This is where I'm meant to be. This is home.

We lay there in comfortable silence, almost asleep, until I hear…

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